Odds

/ɒdz/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The ratio or probability of one outcome occurring against another.

The odds of winning the lottery are very low.

A measure of the likelihood of a particular outcome in gambling or betting.

The odds on the boxing match were heavily in favor of the champion.

The state of affairs that makes something difficult or unlikely.

She overcame the odds to graduate from college despite many obstacles.

In a state of disagreement or conflict.

The two brothers were at odds over how to run the family business.

verb

To consider or estimate the likelihood of an event.

The team is odds-on to win the championship this year.

Middle English 'odds', from the plural of 'odd', meaning 'uneven'.

against all odds

In spite of difficulties or disadvantages.

the odds are stacked against you

The circumstances or conditions make success unlikely.

odd man out

A person who is different from the others in a group.

chance

The occurrence of events in the absence of any obvious intention or cause.

risk

The possibility of loss or injury.

variance

The state of being different or varying.

Long odds

He faced long odds to succeed in his endeavors.

Odds on

It's odds on they'll win the championship this year.